Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 8% more affordable than Bakersfield. A $75,000 salary in Bakersfield is equivalent to $69,059 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bakersfield has a housing index of 96 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Bakersfield costs $310,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Bakersfield versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Bakersfield scores 100 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Bakersfield (99) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bakersfield is $57,548 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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